Mongolia's steppe is part of the largest grassland in the world, running from central Europe all the way to the Pacific Ocean. In Mongolia alone the grassland covers around 80 percent of the country. From a hilltop it looks like an ocean - the grass ripples in the wind in great waves, and the sky seems even bigger than usual.
The steppe changes colour with the seasons. In spring, after the snow melts, it bursts into bright green and tiny wildflowers. By late summer it turns gold and amber. In winter, a thick blanket of snow covers everything. Nomadic families plan their whole year around these seasons, moving their herds to wherever the grass is freshest.
Wild animals share the steppe with the herds. Saiga antelope run in groups across the plains, their strange bulging noses helping them filter dusty air. Eagles circle overhead scanning for prey. At night, the sky above the steppe is extraordinary - because there are so few towns or electric lights, the stars fill the sky from edge to edge.

